BIM...Common Data Environment made Simple.
I have just come back from the Ulster University which had hosted an event on one of the key aspects of BIM called the “Common Data Environment”. The CDE as it’s known as is a shared central project data repository a “single source of truth”. So now you may be thinking that any document storage method will give your company a Common Data Environment!!!!
Sorry, Wrong!!!
The CDE has to have a way of dealing with “File Naming Format” which is separate to actual File Names.
The objective of this Naming Format is to show a standard structure of all files for use no matter who is connecting in to any given project. These extra pieces of information will show e.g. where the document came from, Floor Level, Document Type, Role/Purpose etc etc.
Next, All Files need to live in 4 primary areas/folders: WIP – Shared – Published – Archived. Approval processes need to be created as it moves from one area to the next.
WIP Area – private Areas for the supplier to develop its own documents and drawings.
Shared Area – Is a Client and Supplier Area to work on Documents/Drawings together.
Published Area – Is primarily an area where Documents/Drawings are fit for build.
Archive Area – Job Complete and Documents/Drawings are all signed off and handed over to the client.
The CDE will need full Audit Trails of everything. Remember this can protect you from Legal Action. The information needs to be accessed by everyone, anytime, anyplace, and securely.
This is by no means, an exhaustive list of requirements needed in the CDE but covers the major points.
Anyway my findings from the BIM CDE event was that nearly all companies wanted a tool that would make this job simple.
Why?
- BIM is very complicated.
- My senior staff don’t want change.
- All staff need to buy in with little training.
- Some of the big well known Applications are far too complicated.
- Where will I start?
- How much will this cost?
We developed Sherlayer for the one purpose of making the “Common Data Environment SIMPLE!!!”
Link. www.sherlayer.com
Email. [email protected]
April 2016 is nearly here, contact us now for a demonstration.
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Head of Digital Solutions - Galliford Try Construction
9 年understandable. However, using folders can increase risk as you would have to ensure files are correctly moved from place to place i.e Shared to published. You would also have to ensure duplications dont occur and are present in both areas. Most providers now have a BS1192 workflow setup that they can give you by default. If they haven't, I would question their ability in providing you a tool that can accommodate BS1192
Head of Digital Solutions - Galliford Try Construction
9 年Hi James. Most tools that have CDE capabilities dont need folders to for the WIP, Shared etc. Most tools today have workflows that can restrict information based on the Status. So if a BS1192:2007 status is used like S0. Then this would restrict everyone from seeing it. It also makes it clear that it is WIP. And anything Superseded is automatically archived and is made clear that it is. Folders are not a good way to approach this. Metadata tagging is. I have produced a post myself on CDEs and what you need. Have a look through and see what you think.